Sy23, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Aberystwyth, is set to permanently close its doors on December 23rd 2023. The decision is attributed to the 'unprecedented challenges posed by the current financial climate.'
Mark and Rhian Phillips, the owners, have released a statement indicating their intention to persist in their legal battle against insurance companies that have not acknowledged liability for the business interruption claim related to the challenges faced by the restaurant during the Covid pandemic.
Earlier this week, Nathan Davies made the announcement that he would be stepping down from his position as the head chef of Sy23. He expressed that serving as head chef had been the 'biggest highlight of my career.'
Subsequently, Mark and Rhian Phillips have regretfully announced, 'We regret to inform you that after much consideration, we have found it necessary to cease operations on Saturday, 23 December 2023.'
They added, 'We extended the opportunity to Nathan, our esteemed head chef, and Hollie to take on the business, but unfortunately, they have chosen not to accept the offer at this time.
'Since our opening in late 2019, the restaurant industry has faced extraordinary difficulties, and Rhian and I have made sacrifices that have been greater than most people can imagine.'
They emphasised that despite the closure, it would not have any bearing on their ongoing legal battle against the insurance companies.
'If anything, our situation today only strengthens the importance of this case, and the responsibility that the insurance companies have to small businesses,' the pair said in a statement.
'Our case will be heard in the High Court of Appeal, during June, 2024. This will enable other businesses, not only in hospitality, to pursue their claims.'
Sy23, opened in 2019, earned the prestigious Michelin Star in 2022, a recognition achieved under the leadership of Nathan Davies, who has been at the forefront since the restaurant's inception.